Hey!!

Some of you already know, but about 3 weeks ago I got my official approval from AGWM for my missionary status. And at that time they also informed me that, although my approval hadn’t come before the deadline for PFO, I was going to be able to attend Orientation in June!! Shortly after this information came through, my mom gave me a free airline ticket voucher which she will be unable to use! In a 24 hour period I went from not being approved to getting approved, registered for Orientation, and picking up a free airlines ticket!! Praise God!

So, here I am now in Springfield, near the end of my second day of sessions. LOTs of information. Right about now I would like everything to be over so I can go play, but I know that in the end I will appreciate the information that has been handed out. I have been playing disk golf recently, which has been a ton of fun.

God has also blessed me with great friends here in springfield.  I have been given a free place to stay while I am here, and have already enjoyed some excellent fellowship.

I return to WA on June 29th. PFO gets done on the 24th, but I am taking a few extra days to go to camp with my favorite Non-Profit in area: Bridges for Youth

Cheers!!

Door in Ferrara, Italy

Well Friends, I am home. After 24 hours of travel, planes, trains, buses, ferries, and sidewalks. Just for fun I figured this out yesterday:
Home: Anderson Island, WA -> Ferry -> Car -> Plane -> “L” Train -> Chicago -> Car -> Plane -> Train -> Ferry -> Foot -> Amsterdam -> Foot -> Ferry -> Train -> Plane -> Plane -> Car -> Padova, Italy -> Car -> Train -> Bus -> Plane -> Plane -> Train -> Bus -> Foot -> Amsterdam -> Foot -> Bus -> Train -> Plane -> Plane -> Bus -> Bus -> Ferry -> Car -> Home: Anderson Island, WA

Whew!! Lots of travel for me in the past couple of weeks from one place to another. And the entire time God took care of me; He watched over me and made sure I made it home safely and 1 day early! I am so thankful that God allowed me to catch a standby flight earlier out of Chicago yesterday (the second “Plane” between “Amsterdam and “Home”), which allowed me to make the last ferry to my Island and sleep in my own bed last night. God also provided some incredible people for me to talk to on my journey.

Just two days ago I finally picked up the book “the Heavenly Man” and started reading it. My faith in God and my joy in the revelation of the Gospel has been greatly renewed! The Heavenly Man is Brother Yun, an evangelist and pastor who has been persecuted for the Gospel in China and yet has not been quieted. He suffered three prison sentences, many beatings, and near death; and yet he serves only Jesus. My prayer the past two days has simply been, “God, let me have that kind of faith. Let me have that kind of singular vision.”
Remember what it is like to worship God with abandon? To prioritize what He holds important? Me too, and the problem for me is that it has been too long.
Rev. 2:5 [to the church in Ephesus] “Remember the height from which you have fallen! Repent and do the things you did at first…”

Please Pray for me as I finish my paperwork with AGWM and begin to raise support. Pray that God would give me favor with man for such things as missions approval and visa papers. And pray for me, like John the baptist prayed; that I would become less and that HE would become more.

jacob

Hey Friends,

I am writing this from the sanctuary of ICF Padova, the church that PIMC is going to be living at. Nope, I am not here permanently yet, just for a visit. I really hope that this will be my last visit before moving here, because I can hardly wait!!

As I walked around the city the past couple days I have just been thinking about what God wants to do here. MC in Padova is His Vision, not mine. I am just here, waiting to be used by Him, ready to be apart of His plans. Excitement mounts in me as I envision the program here, the students here.

A week ago MCE Conference in Amsterdam was finishing up. What a great conference; I was so encouraged by the other programs, the other directors, and by the enthusiasm to be apart of Master’s Commission Europe. Pastor Jeremy DeWeerdt from Rockford First Assembly and Rockford Master’s Commission in Rockford, IL, spoke to us directors about the heart of running a MC program, and the practical points. Steve Gray, the Pastor of ICF Padova, met me at the conference and we both soaked up as much as we could. It is such a blessing to have a pastor that is on board with the MC program God wants to start here.

Here I am, in Padova Italy, saying, “God, here I am. Do what you want to do.”

I return back to Seattle on March 22nd, at which time I resume, with fervor, my preparations to come to Italy. I am waiting to hear back concerning my credentials, and I also have some more paperwork to file with AGWM before my Missionary Associate application can get processed. And of course, I need to raise my budget.

“It is God who arms me with strength and makes my way perfect.” – Psalm 18:32

jacob

Jacob at his "desk" working on his computer and web pages.

Hey All,

Just got the new program’s website up and running. Right now it is mostly just informational, but hopefully in the future it will bring more gifts to the world of the internet. So, if you have a moment check it out here: http://www.pimasterscommission.com

Updates about me: I am currently doing several things

1. Trying to get the above website running strait.
2. Pulling the engine out my wrecked VW so I can sell it for money.
3. Finishing up paperwork for both my missions application process and my credentialing.
4. Hoping to be motivated to finish moving into my new room.

Not that you really care about any of that stuff, but I figured I should share.

jacob

Hello Interwebs! Once again, I have let to much time lapse since I have posted on my blog. Apparently, blog writing actually takes some inspiration. Anyway, let me catch you all up to speed.

Recent History:

July 9th 2009 – I begin to seriously question whether or not I am supposed to go to Italy to start a Master’s Commission. Many things weighed into this, but in short the romance of working a ministry job in Europe wore off and I realized my short comings in regard to such an endeavor.

July 17th 2009 – I met Melody at work while on Tour in Seward Alaska. This meeting prompted a friendship, which in a months time would turn into a romance. We are currently dating and enjoying the friendship God has given us.

September 21st 2009 – My last day of work in Alsaka for the 2009 year. We celebrated by going on a backpacking trip, 40 miles through the Kenai Peninsula.

October 3rd, 2009 – I returned to Washington State after a road trip with Melody and other friends from Alaska.

October 12th, 2009 - I met with God while digging holes at my parents new house. I was digging out a foundation for a shed we were building. It wasn’t like God showed up out of the clouds, and in a manner similar to that of Monty Python and the Holy Grail, He said, “Jaaaaaacob! Go to Italy!”… it was more like in that moment of pouring out my heart God cleared all the busy-ness away and I remembered clearly the call that God had originally placed on my heart to go to Italy, back in October 2007. Despite the overwhelming reality of that conclusion, a wave of relief settled over me, for I knew which direction I was going. I am glad that I waited to return from Alaska before I decided to make a decision whether or not I would abandon my plans for Italy.

November 3rd, 2009 – I had decided previously that I wanted to make Washington State my home for missions work, and thus needed to find an Assemblies of God connection since it is with the Assemblies of God that I seek to do missions work.  On Nov 3rd I met with Pastor Tyson of Harbor Life Church in Gig Harbor, and started a friendship which is proving to be invaluable. My relationship with Tyson and Harbor Life, I believe, will be the connection I need to make Washington State my home.  I currently attend Harbor life aprox. 2 times a month, and spend the other 2 sundays at Mosaic in Everett, WA.

January 21st, 2010 – I finally completed and turned in my application for Missionary Associate with the Assemblies of God. This has been a long time coming, and brought much excitement. I also began working on my application for credentials with Gospel Crusade Ministerial Fellowship.

This, in brief, will catch anyone who is curious and hasn’t talked to me, up to speed. I am currently working on my application process with the Assemblies of God, and living at my parents’ house on Anderson Island, WA. I spend as much time as possible communing with my family, taking advantage of the time that I am given with them. As far as ministry goes, Pastor Matt of Mosaic has given me the honor of preaching at his church on two different occasions. Both sermons in audio mp3 format are available for download by following the below links:
11/08/09 Colossians 1:15-23 (Christ is Sovereign)
01/10/10 Colossians 3:17-4:1 (House Hold Roles)

I plan on attending the Master’s Commission Europe Conference in Amsterdam, March 3rd-6th, and am excited about meeting other Master’s Commissions from europe there. After the conference I will be going to Padova, Italy for approx. 2 weeks to visit the church.

Finally, I wanted to let anyone who reads this in on my current mindset: my resolve to follow the Lord as far as I can has been renewed. I do not set my sights on ministering in Italy, I set my sights on honoring Him and knocking on the doors He has provided for me in this phase of my journey. To undertake ALL is overwhelming… I shall leave that up to Him. Meanwhile, I will seek to be obedient in whatever He asks of me.

Cheers!

jacob

Hello to the patient! I am sorry that this blog has not been updated in a while; busyness set in after my last post and I was unable to jump right back into updating. Then I had so much to write and upload that I continually put updating off. Finally, I decided to just pick up where I am at and make a go of things. Brief recap since I last wrote:
I finished my roadtrip on the 31st of March, the day after my birthday. It was a cold road home through MN, ND, MT, and ID. I then spent the next 4 weeks hanging out with family and friends, except for the 10 days I spent overhauling Roxann, my lovely car. I removed the motor and transmission, replaced some parts, and then put everything back together again. It was a great project but I did injure my right arm and it still hasn’t healed up yet. Then, on April 28th, my grandpa Cliff and I left WA for the Great Land of the North: Alaska! We drove my car through British Columbia and the Yukon Territory and arrived into Fairbanks, Alaska on May 1st. It was a rollicking good adventure, full of excitement and beautiful vistas. I had to say “good-bye” to my grandpa Cliff on May 6th and “hello” to the working world again that same week. That brings us up to the present time, where I am currently spending a few days off in Skagway, Alaska, after my first tour of the season. I am working up in Alaska as a Tour Director for Holland America Line cruise company. So, until September this is where I will be, working to pay off my college loans and get myself situated for Italy. I am currently working on my paperwork for the field, although the slow internet is not helping. I will try to post some more regular updates this summer, as well as some pictures, and maybe even some back-logs.

Cheers!

PS – I am reading a really good book right now called “Irresistible Revolution” by Shane Claiborne. It is messing up my world! Thanks Heather!

Updated Itinerary

• Feb. 8th: Oregon City, OR
• Feb. 9th: Plymouth, CA 
• Feb. 10th: Highland, CA
• Feb. 11th & 12th: Huachuca City, AZ
• Feb. 13th: Albuquerque, NM
• Feb. 14th: Rice, TX
• Feb. 15th: San Antonio, TX
• Feb. 16th: Ada, OK
• Feb. 17th: Oklahoma City, OK
• Feb. 18th: Tulsa, OK
• Feb. 19th-27th: Springfield, MO
• Feb. 27th-March 9th: Virginia Beach, VA
• March 10th & 11th: Maryville, MO
• March 12th: Lincoln, NE
• March 13th-17th: Rockford, IL
• March 18th-24th: Cleveland, OH
• March 25th: Aurora, IL
• March 26th: On-the-Lake, WI
• March 27th: Minneapolis, MN
• March 28th & 29th: On the road home ~ ND, MT, ID, WA
• March 30th: Anderson Island, WA

My eight days in Springfield over, I picked up all my stuff (including four extra wheels and tires I was storing there) and Dustin and I left early Friday morning for Kansas City: we had plane tickets from KC to Norfolk Virginia with a brief layover in Detroit’s Gateway airport.  I parked my car at my friend Glori’s parents house in KC (thanks Skadelands!) and then caught a ride to the airport just in time for Dustin to buy a cup of decaf coffee, drink a sip, then realize that he couldn’t take it through security.  Poor little coffee guy.  Security did not take my knife away from me, which was very kind of them.  I didn’t realized their kindness however until I was unpacking my stuff in VA, so that was a nice little surprise.  It is hard to keep track when you carry three blades with you.

Detroit Airport Photo Shoot
Dustin and I had an hour-ish layover in Detroit’s International Gateway Airport.  We decided, after Dustin’s enthusiastic idea, to do a random photo shoot in the light/sound tunnel that connects the concourses. Now, if you don’t know about this tunnel it is slightly interesting to imagine.  ”Its like the tunnel that leads to heaven,” said Dustin; and I tend to agree.  It is about 50 yards wide and 200 yards long with a domed ceiling that runs the length of the room.  The walls are translucent glass with various lights behind them that fade in and out of several color schemes.  And to top the experience off, melodious you-have-become-enlightened/please-go-to-sleep-now sounds play over invisible speakers.  So, we took some pictures.  And people stared at us. 

Jared and Kim Beasley
Jared and Dustin and I have been good friends for a few years; we three went to CBC together, lived on the same dorm hall together, and then lived together in an Apartment for our last year at school.  Since graduation Jared married Kim, his longtime sweetheart, and they moved to Virginia Beach so Jared could start his graduate studies at Regent University.  Kim is a brilliant artist and actually had some of her artwork on display why we were there.  Kim and Jared are great people, and even greater friends!  And the fact that they had Dustin and I come out to visit them for ten days of Spring Break was beyond incredible.  Although we had some awesome adventures during those ten days (which you will see below), for the most part it was just ten days of hanging out.  Except for P90X, which Jared and Kim made us do.  Ok, they didn’t make us do it, but they strongly suggested that we accompany them.  And my body is still recovering.

Jessie and Robin Come to Town
Jessie Klein and her mom, Robin, just so happened to be in Virginia the same time Dustin and I were there, so of course we had to get together.  Jessie is a friend from Springfield whom we all went to school with and love dearly (but come on, who doesn’t love Jessie Klein dearly?), so our day on the town together was quite enjoyable.  Thanks Jessie and Robin for coming over to the beach and making our day together so much fun!

Outer Banks Adventures
We did end up taking a trip while in Virginia; Dustin, Jared, and myself drove to Ocracoke Island in the Outer Banks of North Carolina.  Our plan was to sleep on the beach, play in the sand and, for a day, forget about life, school, and being responsible adults.  It was beautiful. And I took pictures of some ducks.  I like ducks.  

Farewell Virginia, Farewell Dustin
As awesome as a time we had in Virginia Beach all together, it did have to come to an end.  And there was so much more that happened then I was able to write in this blog.  We joked, we laughed, we made facebook videos, we watched movies and Studio 60 on the SunSet Strip, and we lived life loud.  You know the good times in your life with friends or family where you have stopped and said to yourself, “I could do this forever,” but you know deep down that such living was near impossible?  That is how my ten days in Virginia felt; that I could hang out with those friends and just be with them.  But, in the end we all had to go our separate ways and to our separate lives.  On Tuesday, March 10th, Jared dropped Dustin and I off at the airport to fly home.  It was a sad moment.  One day, we will get back together again.  One day soon.
Dustin Risner spent the most time with me on this road trip than anyone else.  He put up with me in Springfield for eight days, and then another ten days in Virginia for a total of 18 days.  And over half those nights he shared his bed with me.  I could go on about how great Dustin is, but the truth is I could just say that he is amazing; and one of my greatest friends. Thank you, Dustin, for making this trip what it was.  I enjoyed spending time with you.

Updated Itinerary

• Feb. 8th: Oregon City, OR
  
• Feb. 9th: Plymouth, CA 
  
• Feb. 10th: Highland, CA
  
• Feb. 11th & 12th: Huachuca City, AZ
  
• Feb. 13th: Albuquerque, NM
  
• Feb. 14th: Rice, TX
  
• Feb. 15th: San Antonio, TX
  
• Feb. 16th: Ada, OK
  
• Feb. 17th: Oklahoma City, OK
  
• Feb. 18th: Tulsa, OK
  
• Feb. 19th-27th: Springfield, MO
• Feb. 27th-March 9th: Virginia Beach, VA
• March 10th & 11th: Maryville, MO
• March 12th: Lincoln, NE
• March 13th-17th: Rockford, IL
• March 18th-24th: Cleveland, OH
• March 25th: Aurora, IL
• March 26th: On-the-Lake, WI
• March 27th: Minneapolis, MN
• March 28th & 29th: On the road home ~ ND, MT, ID, WA
• March 30th: Anderson Island, WA

I lived in Springfield Missouri from July 2004 to May 2008. Just a little under four years of life in Missouri to graduate with my undergraduate degree from Central Bible College.  The time that I spent in Springfield will hold a special place in my heart because of all the lessons that I learned and all the deep friendships that I made in that city.  My return visit to Springfield for eight days was a time to refresh some old memories, revisit with old friends, and relive some great times.  And here are some of the highlights.

Apartment Living
My last year in Springfield I shared an apartment with four of my greatest friends from college: Jared, Dustin, Matt, and Todd.  Jared and Todd both moved on and got married over the summer, but Matt and Dustin started graduate classes and got another apartment in Springfield.  Thus, it was kinda a natural move for me to stay at their apartment for the week I was in Springfield.  They now have a few other room mates which I know and Love: Matt Thomas, Noah Lane, and Tyler Herring. 

Bridges for Youth www.bridgesforyouth.net
Bridges is a local non-profit organization in Springfield, MO, that provides an after-school program for kids of all ages for FREE.  They also were my employer for the four years I was in college.  I love Bridges for Youth and all that they do.  The Director, Steve Hare, and his family are such great people and great friends who desire so desperately to do all that they can for the underprivileged and latch-key kids in this city.  Bridges is a Christian program that survives solely upon the generosity of its donors. Now that I have finished that shameless plug…
Returning to Bridges for a few days was very heartwarming because of all that I had emotionally invested there over the years. I went and spent time in the office and did some computer stuff for them, which felt like old times. I also stopped off at my old youth center to see some of the kids that I had seen grow up.  It was very nostalgic.
Steve invited me over for dinner my last night in Springfield, which was very kind of him and Kathryn, his wife. We had huge steaks on the grill and lemon cake. It was delicious! I thoroughly enjoyed the time I spent with my Bridges family. 

Philosophy Professor
Dr. Calvin Pincombe was my Philosophy prof at Central Bible College.  I ended up minoring in Philosophy, so I saw quite a bit of him, especially because he was the only Philosophy prof.  In eight semesters and a few short term classes (summer time and one during the winter break) I took nine classes with this man.  And not only that, but during the summer of 2006 he took myself, Dustin, and Mike B. on his family vacation to Maine!  Needless to say, stopping by to see Dr. Pincombe and his wife Denise was a MUST.  Dustin and I went over to their house out in the country on a wednesday evening, just two days before our departure to Virginia.  Denise cooked up some delicious mediterranean-inspired, heart-healthy pasta and focaccia bread, and then served us home made frozen yogurt!  It was soooo tasty!  After the “dine” we sat around in the living room talking about philosophy, ACTON Group, global warming, politics, and family news.  It was a joyous evening I will not soon forget.

Master’s Commission Directors
The Missionaries in Padova, Italy, that I am working with (Steve and Patti Gray) alerted me to some email communication that they have been having with a couple in Springfield.  This couple, Beth and Tom, were current students at Evangel University, and had previously been Master’s Commission Directors in TX.  Beth and Tom had heard of Steve and Patti’s desire and vision to start an MC in Padova, and inquired more about it.  It just so happened that such conversation went down about a week before my arrival in Springfield, so course we had to meet up.  And what a better place than Starbucks, right? It was a really great hour talking with Beth and Tom, sharing our stories and visions and God’s call on our lives.  It isn’t often that I get to connect with people like that.  Tom and Beth both had quite a bit of wisdom to share with me, and I was glad to hear it. I drove away that evening feeling hungry… probably because I forgot to eat before the meeting; but also feeling encouraged.  I hope that they felt encouraged as well.      

Friends
(do I think that my friends will actually read this and say, “wow! he mentioned me in his blog,” and that this will somehow boost their esteem and I will walk away feeling like I did a good deed? Because, if they don’t, who really wants to read about me meeting with people they don’t know, right?)
One of my plans in Springfield was to see some old friends from my college days.  I didn’t really have a schedule or anything, but I did have a list of people.  So, I took that list and started.  By the way, if this is boring, don’t read it.
Steve and I have been friends for what feels like a looooong time.  I met him at work and our friendship grew from there. He is one of those who is with me through good times and bad times, the ups and downs of life, even though there is quite a bit that we disagree on.  We both come from different social groups, and so hanging out has always felt like leaving springfield behind and entering into a different world of sorts. One of the stories that I will tell you about us is that two years ago Steve and I both bought “heelies” shoes.  You know, those ones for kids.  Yes… yes we did.  And we wore them until we mastered them, and then showed up all the kids at our youth centers.  And even almost got kicked out of the Mall once.  Yep, a 23 year old and a 25 year old.  Steve, if you are reading this, know that I appreciate you.
Josiah is not really an old friend.  I knew of him in Springfield, but we were never really “friends”. We actually started hanging out in Alaska this past summer, where we connected over our lack of tours from which we make all of our money.  In Springfield, we made last minute lunch plans at an old Chinese place in town, the “Rickshaw”, where we talked about where both of our lives are headed.  And then we argued about politics, which I severely enjoyed.  Our discussion helped me realize how narrow minded I am and how I don’t know all the facts liked I wish I did.  Josiah, if you were the Government and I was the public we would have a Socialist country… because you bought me lunch ’cause I didn’t have any cash!  Thanks so much for spending an hour with me. 
Jessi had coffee and laughs with me, Dustin and Lauren let me do my laundry, Jenna gave me internet, Lauren gave me a hug, Alyssa and Emily fed me dinner, Brinnae helped me remember spiritual passion, Glori gave me a parking space in Kansas City, Darby gave me my tires back, Su and Mike made me Thai food, Brooke gave me her friendship, and Noah, Matt and Matt gave me a home.  Thank you all so much! I wish I could write a blurb about each of you, but hopefully you know it without me writing it.

Well, I know that this post is a little after the fact.  Thanks for reading all the way to the end.  

Next Post: Spring Break in Virginia!

First, let me apologize to all you amazing people that have asked, “WHERE are your UPDATES??!!”  As I am sure you can imagine, being on the road all the time does not allow for much writing to be done.  Oh, if only I could type and drive…

Current Hitchhiker Score: 2

Updated Schedule

Sunday, Feb. 8th – Oregon City, OR
My first stop on my road trip was not much of an adventure, considering my 3 hour drive.  However, I did get to become acquainted with the GPS unit I borrowed from my mom.  And I found that having “highways” set in the “avoidance” settings of the GPS yields a long long trip.  I spent my night in Oregon City with my beloved Sovereign Family who took good care of me.  

Monday, Feb. 9th – Plymouth, CA
This was my first long drive of the trip, which would become standard.  I crossed the mountains in southern Oregon and entered northern California in the early afternoon.  The views were spectacular! And I could not have asked for better weather.  The Lord was smiling upon my travels and I am sure it was my Uncle Rick’s prayer that morning which brought down such divine favor.  
The drive took about 10 hours to accomplish and near the end I was really feeling the “drive wear”.  It is amazing that one can get so tired simply sitting, pushing a pedal and turning a wheel.  Strange for sure.  
My Uncle Ken and Aunt Kathy put me up for the night and fed me well.  I enjoyed so much stopping in and seeing them.  We talked and talked until midnight and then talked again the next morning.  And I had a surprise: my cousin Amy was there!  She is a Marine and had just returned from a year in Iraq.  We had a great time catching up and chatting about life. Ken and I talked about cars, which is huge love of mine, and we walked down to his garage to check out the 80’s supped-up Corvette.  I think what I was most excited about was his current project: a replica cobra.  I will have to find my way back to Plymouth, CA to see that baby run!

Tuesday, Feb. 10th – Highland, CA
Tuesday was a day of cruising.  And I wished I would have taken more pictures, but I am an artist, not a journalist. At least, that is what my critics say. Inspiration cannot be coaxed or commanded, it can only be cultivated. And I am not a good gardener.  Tuesday I picked up my first hitchhiker.  By the way, I am keeping a hitchhiker score.  
Hitchhikers: A few of you have asked about hitchhikers and why I pick them up and how I determine which ones to pick up.  Ask anyone; once you have been a hitchhiker you look at them differently. A few guidelines I follow:

• I must be able to safely pull over and stop to pick up the hiker.
• They must have their thumb up, or a sign indicating that they want a ride.
• There must not be any signs in the area telling me specifically NOT to pick up hikers (because of prisons, etc.)
• I always pray before my trip, asking God to give me safe hikers.  And I have faith that he does. 

Picking up hitchhikers can be a really good way to meet people and experience life.  The above guidelines are really just for the US, although I suppose they work in other countries also.  Some countries have more or less hitchhiking, so do some research if you are curious.  

I experienced some of LA’s traffic before I pulled in to my Uncle Steve and Aunt Linda’s house that evening in southern California.  The weather was beautiful and warm, perfect for a winter vacation.  My cousin Lynette was present at dinner, as well as my aunt and uncle’s son-in-law, Bryan.  We had an excellent time chatting, especially since Steve is an academically accomplished pastor.  They sent me off the next morning with a bag of their home-grown oranges for my grandparents in Arizona.

Wednesday, Feb. 11th – Huachuca City, AZ
 I really enjoyed spending Wednesday and Thursday with my Oma and my Opa.  They are German, and thus we use German grandparent titles for them.  The drive there was very nice as I left the valley that traps LA in pollution and drove into the desert.  The first 100 miles had an innumerable amount of wind-powered electrical generators!  I heard that the exact number is in the thousands.  
Crossing the Arizona border I found myself being pulled over by a State Trooper.  He professionally informed me that my tabs were not being displayed properly.  He then wrote me a warning for such lawlessness, which I interpreted as “having a red car.” I find that my tabs are easy to read, I don’t know why he had a problem.  I was thanking the Lord that I didn’t get a ticket, though.  Praise God!
When I arrived at my grandparents I was worn out from three consecutive days of 8+ hour drives.  It was good to take a day off and lay in the sun.  My Opa had requested sunshine for me, which the Lord provided in great abundance.  My Oma and Opa are very Godly people, probably the most righteous I know.  It was such a blessing to spend so much time with them.  We talked and talked… I am sure that I wore them plumb out!  We did get some projects accomplished, however.  I worked a bit on their computer and we fixed the rollers on the door to the Arizona room.  My Oma fed me so well that I think I gained weight in those two days.  I look forward to seeing them again soon.  

Friday, Feb. 13th – Albuquerque, NM
I did almost run out of gas on my way to visit my Dad’s only sister and her husband in Albuquerque.  I suppose with an extra day off in Arizona I got a little relaxed about my travels.  For those of you who don’t know, I do not have a 

gauge cluster (the round things with the needles) in my car.  Mine broke and I sent it out to get fixed 2 weeks before my departure from Washington.  I found that 2 weeks was not enough time, however, and I had to drive the first part of my trip without a speedometer and other informative meters.  Thus, I don’t have a fuel gauge.  So when I say that, “I almost ran out of gas,” it means that I forgot completely about gas and didn’t remember till it was almost too late!  Running out of gas + New Mexican desert = not fun.  I did make it safe, however, and enjoyed my time with my Uncle Neil and Aunt Bonnie.  Their daughter Charity and her family were there as well, and I had quite a good time catching up and hanging out with all of them.  Charity and Ken made some delicious fajitas on the grill!  My diet was not looking to good.  The next morning before I left for Texas I sat down to some breakfast with Bonnie.  I enjoyed our conversation so much that when I finally left I forgot the leftovers in the fridge that we had packed for me the night before!  That was a hungry day…

Saturday, Feb. 14th – Rice, TX
The end of my Kobernik Family tour had come and the beginning of the longest drive I would make this month now started.  Driving from Albuquerque to Dallas is an 11 hour drive plus you lose an hour in transit, so it can make for a very long day.  In 11 hours I only stopped once to fill up on gas and use the bathroom.  Western Texas is very pretty but also very barren.  I found myself pretty bored.  This was also the drive on which I stopped talking with my GPS unit because it was being stubborn and not reconfiguring to the route I wanted to take.  I couldn’t completely ignore it, however, because I still had to use it for my approximate speed (remember, no gauges) and distance.  
I got in at about 7:30 pm to my friend Lydia’s parent’s house in Rice, Texas.  Lester had cooked up his famous baby back ribs, which were positively delicious!  I must say that it was a good first impression of Texas living. I stayed at Lester and Sandy’s house that night (thanks Kaylee for lending me a bed!) and went with them to church the next morning.  I attended Freedom Fellowship International in Waxahachie and enjoyed the service immensely.  I did have to wait until mid-service for coffee, however, but the Lord gave me strength.

Sunday, Feb. 15th – San Antonio Adventure
After church and lunch Sunday, which was Lester’s leftover ribs, I said good-bye to the Bailey’s and hit the road south.  My friend JoAnna from collage in Springfield, MO, had recently moved down there to pursue a job opportunity, and I went to visit her.  First off, San Antonio was a little farther “down there” then I thought it was.  But it was also the farthest south I had ever driven, which was a cool record to break.  JoAnna is a Biblical greek geek, so we had a great time talking.  Get two geeks together and … well, you know what they say.  We hit up the river walk through San Antonio, saw the Alamo, and ate some pizza at the famous “Alamo Pizza”.  Ok, I don’t know if it is famous, but there were a few of them.  I had fun simply connecting with an old friend and sharing how God was leading us through life.  I left San Antonio that night and tried to get a jump start on Mondays travels, because I knew they would be long.  I spent the night in my trunk at a rest area near Temple, Tx.  I slept 10 hours!  I must have needed it.

Monday, Feb. 16th – Oklahoma here I come!
I had to drive all the way to Ada, OK, on monday, which meant I had to drive all the way back through Texas.  I did stop in Waxahachie on my way out to see my friend Lydia again, and to meet with George Taylor.  George is the Assistant Director of Distance Education for Southwestern AG University.  I met with George to discuss how the Padova International Master’s Commission could utilize distance education from SAGU.  This would allow students in PIMC to take fully accredited college courses while they live and do ministry in Italy.  The concept, which seems so simple, is really mind blowing.  I must say that words can hardly describe my excitement over this prospect.  Thank you George! And you too, Lydia.  Lydia gave me the idea initially and helped me connect with George.  God is so good!

Monday was also the same day that I picked up my second hitchhiker.  Mike was quite the mess, just having been left by his girl friend of 5+ years and being a few hundred miles from home.  It was really the perfect opportunity to minister to a hurting man, even if all I could do is take him part way and pray for him.  It was cold that night as I crossed the border into OK, so I gave Mike the coat my Opa had given me (sorry to pass on the gift, but I figured it was for a good cause).  I don’t know what happened to Mike, but I am going to keep my eyes peeled as I travel to Missouri today.  

Tuesday, Feb. 17th – Ada to Oklahoma City
Ada Oklahoma is the home of my friend Scott, whom I love dearly.  Scott and I went to  Rockford Master’s Commission together back in 2002-2004, and we have been friends ever since despite the distances between us.  I spent Monday night at Scott’s house, and then hung out with him almost all day Tuesday.  He took me out for lunch at a great local place; Pollo’s Mexican Restaurant.  If you are in Ada, make sure you hit up this place for some fresh tortillas!  Thank you, Scoot, for spending time with me.  I enjoyed the conversations so much.
I left Ada just as the sun was going down to drive the hour and a half to Oklahoma City.  This was also the day that I got sick. I wish I could plan when I got sick, because I would have waited until after this road trip to endure such suffering!

Wednesday, Feb. 18th – OK City to Tulsa
I spent tuesday night with my friends Erin and AJ in OK City.  I know Erin from my Master’s years as well but hadn’t seen her since then.  This gave us all a lot to catch up on.  Erin and AJ walked the Missions route a few years back and they know so much about the International Master’s Commissions because of their involvement with CIMC in Denmark, so I enjoyed listening to them talk.  I only wish I could have spent more time with them, but I may see them again this trip in Virginia.  Wednesday I slept in till about 11 and woke up feeling like I had been hit by a truck.  That is when I began sucking coughdrops non-stop.  I spent the day tagging along with AJ cause he had the day off.  AJ works for Apple at the Genius Bar (lucky!!) and he also builds cars when life allows.  I felt like I found my other self in AJ, and I enjoyed spending the day with him.  I stayed in Oklahoma City all day Wednesday and left about 6:30 pm so I could make it to Tulsa before to late.  

Thursday, Feb. 19th – Tulsa, OK to Springfield, MO
My cousin Kitt is an awesome guy!  And he happens to live in Tulsa. When I was first planning this trip I thought that he may be to busy to hangout with me.  The man is a singer/songwriter who is in the middle of recording an album.  He also teaches music full time and he plays every music gig he can possibly get, which includes a couple weekend deals at the local dueling piano bar.  He is the second most talented person in my family, next to my brother Philip, which I just have to say ’cause he is my brother.  Anyway, I was so glad that I mentioned my trip to Kitt and that he had time for me.  When I got in to Tulsa Wednesday night we went to this awesome Irish place for some burgers, which were very tasty for only $3.  Thursday morning Kitt and I ate breakfast with “Rainbow Girl” the recycler, and her friend Nikki from New York.  We had “V Eggs”, which were delicious! Afterwards Kitt took me to his coffee shop, “The Coffee House on Cherry Street”, for some tea and internet time.  Which was good because I needed to pound out this two and a half thousand word blog update.  And, here I sit.  In about 7 minutes I will be leaving Tulsa behind as I and Roxann travel the highways to Springfield, MO.  Yes… we are almost “home”.   

Thanks to all of you who have opened your home for me, given me something to eat, or simply spent time with me. Also, thank you all who actually read this blog.  I promise, I will be trying to do smaller, more frequent updates in the future.  God bless all of you!

jacob kobernik

So, as much as I would like to pretend like I wrote this Sunday, Feb. 8th, before I left, I can not help but confess that I am already in Highland, CA, and about to drive into AZ tomorrow.  So far so good!

Man, don't we look cool?

Sunday Evening I pulled out of my parents’ driveway toward an uncertain adventure awaiting us over the next 7000 miles of touring.  The thought on my mind as I left? “Wow, this is it.”  The truth is that I had spent the last 36 hours in my grandparents garage trying to get my car to run properly.  At about 1:30 PM Saturday everything came together and I was rejoicing loudly!  By the time I pulled out of the driveway and down the road towards the ferry the next day I had had no down time to let my trip sink in.  Hence my notion, “This is it.”  All the planning and preparation (or lack of preparation at times!), and here I was: finally leaving.  

Basic Sketch of the 7000 miles

• Feb. 8th: Oregon City, OR
• Feb. 9th: Plymouth, CA 
• Feb. 10th: Highland, CA
• Feb. 11th & 12th: Huachuca City, AZ
• Feb. 13th: Albuquerque, NM
• Feb. 14th & 15th: Dallas, TX
• Feb. 16th: Ada, OK
• Feb. 17th: Oklahoma City, OK
• Feb. 18th: Tulsa, OK
• Feb. 19th-27th: Springfield, MO
• Feb. 27th-March 9th: Virginia Beach, VA
• March 10th & 11th: Maryville, MO
• March 12th: Lincoln, NE
• March 13th-17th: Rockford, IL
• March 18th-24th: Cleveland, OH
• March 25th & 26th: On-the-Lake, WI
• March 27th: Minneapolis, MN
• March 28th & 29th: On the road home…
• March 30th: Anderson Island, WA

The Above list is not completely fixed yet, but it is very close to its final form.  The trip is a multi-purpose trip, one whose purposes have come together and grown over the past few months.  

1. Visit friends and family members that I have not seen in a while.  Unfortunatly, I am not able to visit everyone of importance in my life.  So, for the those of you left out of my national tour, please do not feel unloved.  Stay connected on my site.
2. Inform friends, family, and anyone else about my future missions plans.  Oh, if you don’t know: I have future missions plans!  I am going to Italy, but check it out on the “Mission” page.
3. Research information and pick a few brains for some thoughts on building an international ministry discipleship program.  Yeah, its a mouthful…
4. Travel the country!  For those of you who know me well, you know I like to travel.  And this is just another opportunity to do what I love and what I need to at the same time!

Stay Posted for more updates on my site here.  And stay posted on what God is going to do! 

jacob kobernik